This week . . . Disney casting a worship leader, a reflection on OJ Simpson, and two lives saved through smart technology.
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The faith of Disney’s new princess

The roles for Disney’s new live-action version of Aladdin have been cast. Will Smith is doing the voice of Genie, and a young woman named Naomi Scott will be playing Jasmine.

Naomi is an up and coming actress who is also a worship leader. She was recently interviewed by the online magazine HypeBae where she stated that “God is the ultimate creative force” and went on to talk about the important role of church and faith throughout her life.

We find this to be a wonderful example of someone with the gift of worship expanding and reaching into the culture beyond the immediate church scene.

(We also wanted to acknowledge the spirit of wisdom upon Disney in casting Will Smith as the Genie. Robin Williams is irreplaceable as the voice of Genie, but Will Smith is probably the next best person who could fill those shoes, if such a thing were possible.)

OJ’s release

Last week, OJ Simpson was granted parole in Nevada, being released from prison after a nine-year sentence in connection with robbery and vandalism. Much to the disgust and frustration of the onlooking world, OJ is now free, and remains one of the most despised people in America.

We don’t want to rehash the history or reasons for all the controversy surrounding OJ. All we want to share is the impression that OJ’s release is a challenge to the country’s conscience and the call to forgive and pray for such a person.

We specifically felt the patience of the Lord with this man’s release. While some people are calling for him to “rot in hell,” Jesus is wanting to save OJ from any hell he is currently living in or creating for others. Vengeance and hatred only perpetuate the cycle of pain and destruction and will do nothing good in the long-run.

This isn’t to revoke the need for justice and consequences within this world system. But sometimes when our own justice system fails, it is a reminder to look to God’s form of justice, which is always reparative and healing — for all parties involved.

Smart speaker calls 911, saves woman and daughter

A man in New Mexico armed with a gun was attacking his girlfriend and threatening to kill her and her daughter. At one point during the altercation, the man asked her if she had called the cops. The smart speaker in their home (like Amazon Echo or Google Home) picked up on this statement and called 911 on behalf on the man’s unintentional comment. This led to the arrival of police, who secured the safety of the woman and her daughter.

While people are worrying about big brother spying through technology, implanting 666 chips into the brain, and infesting the world with demonic nephilim inspired agendas of world takeover — we thought it might be helpful to point out a good example of technology working on our behalf.

(Editor’s Note: While I write this, something is causing my computer to be incredibly slow, making me want to take back the statement above. Nonetheless, I will persevere in my patience and continue to affirm the good side of technology, in spite of its dangers and frustrations.)

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